Justina AKPAN

 

The Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students Alumni Association (NFCSAA), Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, held its first general meeting on July 6, 2025, via an online platform. The meeting, which lasted for two hours, brought together past and present leaders of the Federation across the Province.

In attendance were Provincial and National Executive Members from 1998 to 2022, drawn from higher institutions within Ibadan Province — including SS. Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan — alongside the current Provincial Executive Council and all Diocesan Presidents except Ilorin Diocese.

Declaring the meeting open, the Provincial President of the Alumni Association, Engr. Sir Patrick Soyombo, KSM, AONFCS, welcomed participants and expressed deep appreciation to the Provincial Secretary, Ms. Justina Akpan and Ms. Esther for their ‘Farominiyi’ dedication in ensuring the meeting held successfully. He also thanked all attendees for making out time for the historic gathering, urging that such meetings be sustained to provide a platform for dialogue between current NFCS leaders and the Alumni body for guidance, advice, and support.

 

Challenges Facing NFCS in the Province

Giving an overview of the current state of the Federation, the Provincial President, Mr. Michael Ajekigbe lamented that NFCS in the Province was not functioning effectively. According to him, there is a serious disconnect between the Provincial body and the National NFCS, while Ilorin and Ekiti Dioceses are experiencing internal crises that hinder their active participation. Another pressing challenge identified was the unavailability of the Provincial Chaplain due to his tight schedule.

 

In response, the alumni expressed disappointment that despite NFCS’s strong foundation at Diocesan and Chapter levels, the Province was struggling to maintain its status as one of the foremost Catholic youth bodies in the Church. The Alumni Association charged the Provincial Executive Council to unite in reviving all chapters, stressing the need for stronger collaboration.

 

Reports from the Dioceses

Osogbo, Ondo, and Oyo Dioceses: reported to be very active, with frequent programs for members in their Dioceses. While Ekiti, Ilorin, and Ibadan Archdiocese are currently facing operational and leadership challenges.

 

Encouraging news came with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Peter Jemibor of Seat of Wisdom, U.I Chaplaincy Chapter as the Ibadan Arcdiocesan NFCS Chaplain by Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin and Rev. Fr. Victor Fasugba as the Ondo Diocesan Chaplain by Bishop Jude Arogundade. The Alumni body, while welcoming the development, appealed that Bishops should always assign priests with passion and deep understanding of the NFCS apostolate, to foster spiritual growth and stronger direction for members.

 

Advice and Interventions

Speaking during the session, Sir Felix Fapohunda, KSJI urged understanding of today’s youth, whose zeal, he observed, differs from earlier generations. He emphasized the need for Chaplains to work together for the growth of the Federation.

Mr. Kingsley Ighomwenghian also supported the call for stronger collaboration with Chaplains and recommended a formal engagement with the Archbishop to chart the way forward.

 

Resolutions of the Meeting

The meeting produced key resolutions to reposition the Federation:

1. Diocesan executives must embark on regular visitations to chapters to keep them active.
2. NFCS should strengthen ties with the Laity Councils in their dioceses.
3. Provincial Executives must attend all Diocesan elections to ensure fairness and proper guidance.
4. Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu was mandated to intervene in the Ilorin Diocese crisis.
5. Alumni and Chaplains must work hand-in-hand to support the Federation’s revival.

 

Advisers Appointed for Dioceses

To deepen support, the Alumni body assigned advisers to each Diocese as the first contact for guidance, crisis resolution, and collaboration. They are: Ibadan Archdiocese – Ms. Esther Farominiyi; Osogbo Diocese – Mr. Paul Obatoyin; Oyo Diocese – Sir Felix Fapohunda, KSJI & Mr. Anthony Orisadare; Ekiti Diocese – Mr. Charles Akadiri; Ondo Diocese – Mr. Matthew Akinwalere and Ilorin Diocese – Ms. Justina Akpan

These advisers were charged to attend Diocesan events regularly and provide timely interventions in troubled dioceses.

 

Closing and Next Steps

In his closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu thanked all participants for their contributions and urged continued commitment to moving the Federation forward.

The next general meeting of the NFCS Alumni Association Ibadan Province was scheduled for September/October 2025.